Clarets sign James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski (left) and Middlesbrough's David Nugent battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match at Griffin Park, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday January 12, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Brentford. Photo credit should read: Daniel Hambury/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Published:18:31Monday 01 February 2016

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Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of James Tarkowski from Brentford, subject to paperwork.

The 23-year-old defender has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Last season, Tarkowski impressed at the heart of defence for Sky Bet Championship side Brentford in the same side as Andre Gray, as they reached the end of season Play-Offs before losing out to Middlesbrough in the semi-final.

And Sean Dyche is delighted to have secured the signature of a long-time target.

The gaffer said: “James is a player I have known for a couple of seasons and I’ve monitored his progress from Oldham, right the way through to now.

“He is at a good age and has gained a lot of experience over the last couple of seasons and I feel he can be a big part of us going forwards in the future.

“We want competition in all areas and we have been a little bit light in that area all season, so we feel he’s a very good player and an excellent signing for the club, both now and for the future.”

The Manchester-born centre-back started his career at Oldham Athletic and was called up for the first-team for the first time in 2011.

His first senior appearance came in a 2-1 home win against Brentford, when he replaced Neal Trotman on 80 minutes.

After making 89 appearances for the Latics, scoring six goals, Tarkowski made the move to Griffin Park in January, 2014.

In his first full season at Championship level, he finished with 38 appearances and a solitary goal.

On the opening day of 2015/16 against Ipswich Town, the former Oldham man set up then team-mate Gray, before bundling home a last-gasp equaliser to level the scores at 2-2.

James, who is ineligible for Burnley’s Championship game at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night, will wear squad number 26 at Turf Moor.